Ho Chi Minh City turned out to be one of the better travel experiences of my lifetime of travel. The people were extremely friendly and welcoming, and a dollar went a long way toward food (excellent restaurants), transportation (on motorbikes and tri-shaws) and shopping (at the markets). Cruising up the Saigon River into Ho Chi Minh City hearkened to the Golden Age of ocean liner travel, when cruise passengers made passage to exotic destinations worldwide. I highly recommend an ocean cruise to Ho Chi Minh City to anyone capable of making the trip. And if you have even a small sense of daring, hop on the back of a motor bike and pass through one of the world's most fascinating cities as many of its citizens do -- on two wheels.